A/N: Shout out to my anonymous reviewer! More on what Nanny says soon. So glad you liked it. Thanks!
Chapter 27
Elphaba heaved a sigh. She and Fiyero had been up most of the night reading the books that Nanny had shared. The caretaker had documented illnesses, cuts, scrapes, and the abuse at the hands of Frex. The green woman figured that Nanny had maybe hoped to approach someone about it, but fear may have won out. Words on a page were not enough evidence to impeach the leader of Munchkinland.
"I mean this in the best way possible Miss Elphaba, but you do not look well," Mr. Samuels said as he served breakfast.
"I'm tired. Up most of the night, I'm afraid," she admitted to him.
"Oh dear," it was clear he did not press but was also concerned.
"I'm going to need more coffee," Elphaba said.
"More is on the way," Mr. Samuels promised as he disappeared back into the kitchen. The dining room door opened and in walked Boq.
"Good morning," he gave Elphaba a smile.
"Is it?" She asked, half contemplating, if she could put her head onto her pancakes and take a nap.
"Up all night huh?" Boq gave her a look, wondering why Fiyero wasn't with them.
"Most of it. I'm working on about three hours of sleep," she refused to elaborate so Boq leaned in closer and whispered,
"It wouldn't have anything to do with our friends Mopsi and Popsi would it?"
"Oh, it does but not here. Glinda's office after breakfast," she whispered back. Boq nodded just as Mr. Samuels was exiting the kitchen.
"Here is more coffee and a plate for Master Boq. Where is Master Fiyero?" The cook asked as he served up the food and drink.
"I let him sleep. Save him some breakfast please," Elphaba said.
"Yes ma'am. I know how much he likes his pancakes," Mr. Samuels smiled, and he disappeared back into the kitchen.
"Can't you cast a spell to help you?" Boq wanted to know.
"Yes, but I need to be sure I don't muck up the words. A little more coffee and I'll be able to do it," she promised. Boq nodded again and tucked into his breakfast. He was eating like he hadn't in days. Elphaba gave him a look. Munchkins weren't known to eat quickly or have large amounts and here her friend put away a stack of pancakes like it was nothing.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with that cute nurse that helped you get better does it?" Boq almost choked on his breakfast and Elphaba chuckled. The door to the dining room opened and in walked Fevzi and Sarah.
"Sarah! Look at you!" Elphaba stood up and pulled her into a hug, despite being so tired. She was incredibly proud of the Munchkin. Sarah had been working hard to be able to move after her issue and there was still a limp, but she did not appear to be in a lot of pain.
"I have had great help and I feel much better," Sarah smiled.
"I am so glad to hear it. You two have big plans for the day?" Elphaba asked.
"Hamza said that I could take her for a walk in the garden. Slow and steady we promised him," Fevzi said as he received a hug from the green skinned woman.
"Well then you have come to the right place to fuel up. Mr. Samuels is at it again," she smiled as the two took a couple of the open seats at the table.
"Have you heard from my parents?" Fevzi wondered as Mr. Samuels came out with more food for the young couple.
"I have not," it was just occurring to her that what was supposed to be quick, given the lead Dilek's men had found, it had not been quick at all. Fevzi frowned, wondering why that had been.
"I'll check with Lieutenant Zetti. See if anything may have come in and didn't end up where it was supposed to," Boq promised giving Elphaba a wink.
"Thank you Master Boq," Fevzi smiled.
"Of course," Boq smiled back before taking his dishes into the kitchen and praising Mr. Samuels and Amir for their wonderful meal. Before anything more could be said, there was a pounding on the dining room door. Elphaba quickly got up and answered it.
"Timothy! What is it?"
"You better come quickly…" the sergeant didn't get anything else out before the sound of drums could be heard.
"Damla is getting the Prince," he told her.
"To the front gates. Let's hope our Vinkun friends have some news," Elphaba said.
To Be Continued….